Meeker School Supt. Jeff Pruitt told his Board of Education members Monday night, “No one knows for sure what’s going to happen come fall. I think it will look different,” he added.
Pruitt said Meeker is scheduled to begin the fall term on Thursday, Aug. 13.
“That’s fluid, though, at this time,” he said.
“We’re not sure what’s going to happen through July and early August,” he told his board members.
He explained, “We have three platforms to utilize in teaching the students including traditional learning, blended learning which we already are doing and distance learning.
“The biggest challenge will be for our elementary students and some of our middle school students with distance learning I think. There’s going to be different routines and things we’re not accustomed to doing,” he predicted.
“We have the three basic modes of education because it’s so fluid,” he said.
Brad Seaborn, Athletic Director, addressed the board concerning the return to sports activities for students that began this week.
“Phase 1 started Monday and will run through June 26,” he said.
“Coaches may have face-to-face contract with secondary level students using certain provisions. No team practice is permitted. No camps, clinics, or leagues may be conducted, but strength and conditioning are permitted.”
Among the lengthy list of provisions are athletes must provide their own mask or bandana, athletes are strongly encouraged to bring their own drinks and coaches or other supervisory adults must wear masks or cloth face covering.
Seaborn assured the board, “All workouts are voluntary and athletes will not be negatively impacted for non-participation.
Phase 2 is a dead period and runs from July 6 through July 15. No team practice is permitted, no camps, clinics or leagues may be conducted but strength and conditioning is permitted.
Phase 3 begins July 15 and Seaborn said practice may begin for fast pitch softball and cross country.
The board, without going into an executive session, accepted the resignations of four teachers and voted to offer contracts for the 2020-2021 to three other persons.
The resignations included April Davis, Misty Novotny and Sheila Wood, all elementary teachers and Driskill Sawyer, high school teacher and baseball coach.
Contracts were offered to Tammy Green, elementary school cafeteria, and Shannon Foye and Elsie Little, elementary teachers.
In other business, the board:
Approved an insurance quote for the 2020-2021 school year.
Voted to approve a quote for Worker’s Compensation with OSAG for the 2020-2021 school year.
Agreed to accept the Basic Legal Services Program with the Center for Education Law for the 2020-2021 school year.
Approved membership with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, subscription to Basic Policy Services and OSSBA Employment Services for the 2020-2021 school year.
Approved the renewal of the Gas Sale and Transportation agreement with Center Point Energy Services for the 2020-2021 school year.
Agreed to a contract with Misty Blankenship as Speech Pathologist for the 2020-2021 school year.